Operation Sindoor Shows India’s Firm Resolve Against Terrorism, Says Rajnath Singh at Unity March

New Delhi : Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh affirmed that Operation Sindoor stands as compelling proof that India gives a strong and fitting reply to those who fail to understand the language of peace and goodwill. Addressing the Sardar Sabha in Vadodara, Gujarat, on December 02, 2025, the Defence Minister drew parallels between India’s decisive counter-terror operations and the resolute leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who balanced dialogue with bold action when national interests demanded it. The event was part of the ‘Unity March’ organised by Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

Rajnath Singh praised the courage, precision, and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces in executing Operation Sindoor, saying that the world is now recognising India’s military capability and preparedness. “We are a peace-loving nation that never provokes any country, but if provoked, we do not spare those who cast an evil eye,” he asserted.

He described Sardar Patel as a towering figure who played an instrumental role in unifying India. Singh stated that Patel’s vision of ‘One India, Best India’ is being further strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Citing the abrogation of Article 370, he emphasised that the move brought Jammu & Kashmir fully into the national mainstream, echoing Patel’s commitment to territorial and political unity.

Highlighting India’s rising global stature, the Raksha Mantri said that the nation—once viewed with hesitation—is today engaging with the world on its own terms. “India is marching ahead towards becoming a major economic and strategic power. This is due to the immense contribution and inspiration of Sardar Patel,” he noted.

Singh pointed out that India’s economic leap is equally significant. From being the 11th largest economy in 2014, India now stands at fourth place and is poised to soon break into the top three. The government, he said, is committed to ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’, ensuring political and geographical unity while binding the nation with a fabric of cultural, social, spiritual, and economic harmony. “We are moving forward with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, with the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he added.

The Defence Minister also underlined India’s growing strength in the defence sector. He said that Sardar Patel always stressed on defence modernisation and indigenous capability—a vision that the present government has implemented robustly through Make-in-India. “We are becoming Aatmanirbhar in defence production. Our exports have increased nearly 34-fold in the last 11 years. We aim to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029,” Singh announced.

He further referred to the government’s push for ethical governance, highlighting the proposed Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. The amendment seeks to ensure that individuals holding high office adhere to strict ethical standards, including automatic removal from office if arrested on serious charges and denied bail within 30 days.

Concluding his address, Rajnath Singh urged the youth to carry forward the legacy of Sardar Patel by working wholeheartedly for national unity and development. “It is our duty to keep the country united and to prepare future generations to uphold these values. This would be a true tribute to the Iron Man of India,” he said.

The event was attended by prominent leaders including Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and MoS Smt Shobha Karandlaje, alongside senior state officials.